How to Determine When to Clean the Throttle Body?

[LaVera]

To determine if the throttle body needs cleaning, follow this method: With the engine under no load, rev the engine in neutral to 3000 RPM, then release the throttle and observe the tachometer needle. If the needle quickly drops to between 1000 and 1200 RPM, pauses slightly, and then settles around 800 RPM, the throttle body is functioning normally. However, if the needle drops directly below 800 RPM and then slowly rises back to around 800 RPM, it indicates severe throttle body contamination, requiring immediate cleaning. The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates air intake into the engine, available in two types: traditional cable-operated and electronic. The incoming air mixes with fuel in the intake manifold to form a combustible mixture for engine combustion and power generation.